The Listener

This book has become a favorite of mine - it's a classic! I plan to recommend it to many of my family & friends - & I highly recommend it to you too! The chapters in this book are actually categorized as "souls" - each one dealing with 1 person who came to "the Listener" in a broken state, and left healed (in more ways than one). This book has the potential to really hit home - showing that we ALL have problems (no one is immune), and that we are NEVER really alone - a concept that is so easy to forget these days. I don't want to spill the beans re: who the listener is, but after you read the first chapter you'll instinctivly know (if not by the first chapter, then definitely by the second). Once your realize who it is, it will serve as a reminder that we all have a "listener" - available any time, day or night.

If you never felt like anyone ever really listened to you, then come here and enter The Listener's unique chamber. He doesn't say a word. He listens to all your problems or perceived threats, jealousies, sins, resentments, guilts or whatever devil is hounding you, without judgement or condemnation. You will leave the chamber with deep reflection about your life, maybe relief, at the very least understanding human frailities and man's often vicious and petty nature and how love transcends and lets you feel like you are not alone. I have read his book many times through different stages of my life, passed it on to a few in times of trouble or fear, or just out of pure joy. You will not regret picking up this loving novella of short stories within the big chapter of life.

This book, published in 1960, tells the story of 15 "souls" -- people from many walks of life -- from judges and doctors to a humble, devout cleaning lady. Each person goes into a sanctuary like building to spend time with "The Listener."I won't tell you who "The Listener" is. You might guess, and you might not. But one thing I can guarantee -- your life won't be the same after you read this book. You can be Catholic, Protestant (with all the variations therein) or even a Hindu, Moslem or Jew, and be challenged by reading this book.Through these 15 stories, Taylor Caldwell expresses more about the real essence of Christianity than all of the "Doctrinal" books I have read -- and as a PK (preacher's kid) I've read a lot of them. This describes more than a "religion." It is a relationship with the real originator of Christianity.We have a lot of garbage being promoted in the name of religion today -- and a lot of it is in the name of religion, and trying to be carried out politically. It's easy to forget that Jesus Christ Himself was notoriously apolitical. He was about REAL spirituality -- something that starts in the innermost part of a person and spreads outward.The message of this beautiful book is as important today as it was when it was written. The fact that circumstances and cultures have changed is irrelevant -- human nature hasn't changed at all.Read this story. It will be among the most worthwhile time you've spent.

I am a Hindu believer by birth, The Listener is one of those few rare books that opened up my horizon to the truth and suffering of Christ (and human beings. In fact, this book gives me watery eyes every time I read it, and I read it often. The New Testament was written by The Apostles in The Apostles` words, while The Listener is The New Testament written by and in the laymen`s words.

I read The Listener in the 60's before I went to Vietnam. As a combat soldier in very frightening conditions I oftened remembered the calm I had when I read The Listener. Recreating that calm in my heart helped me live through that war. I remember it today, thirty years later as I reflect on my relationship with Christ. The Listener was an unknown messenger that Christ sent to help me. If you read this book you will become mesmerized by Christ's power and love.